Talk of the Town

Throughout NBC’s popular reality series, “The Sing-Off,” they were repeatedly hailed as “classy,” “inspirational” and “authentic.” Just about the only adjective not applied to Oakland’s Jerry Lawson and Talk of the Town was “champion.”

No, that distinction was earned by Committed. The gospel quintet from Alabama amassed the most viewer votes and won the title over Nashville rockers, Street Corner Symphony, during Monday’s bloated finale. For their efforts, they take home $100,000, a Sony recording contract and a really ugly trophy.

If Lawson and company were disappointed, it didn’t show. They exited the stage, howling “Hit the Road Jack,” with a hobbling Lawson smiling and waving his cane. Prior to their exit, host Nick Lachey lauded the veteran singers for producing “one helluva comeback.”

“You’ve been an inspiration to us all,” he proclaimed.

Who knows what’s next for Jerry and the guys, but it’s clear that, after performing in anonmity for years, they’ve now got some name recognition. I’m told that they’ve already booked two nights at Yoshi’s in San Francisco during January.

BTW, let’s give a little credit to Lawson’s backup singers, who didn’t really get a lot of face time during the show. They are the actual Oakland residents (Lawson lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.). So give it up for: Carl Douglas, Paul Carrington, Doug Stepney, Andrew Lockwood and Rodney “Chase” Ruffin.